First new ATR arrives in Guernsey

Saturday 26 October 2019

The first of Aurigny’s new ATR aircraft has now arrived in Guernsey after being officially delivered to Toulouse on Friday before flyng into the island.

Registered G-OATR, the aircraft will be the first of three new ATR 72-600s which the States signed off for Aurigny to buy outright earlier in the year.

Pictured: The new ATR, G-OATR. 

These new ATRs are equipped with ClearVision technology, which aims to allow them to land in reduced visibility - Aurigny is the launch customer for this new piece of technology - although it won't be used until pilots complete their training on the system in 2020. 

"Our customers depend on the services that we provide, and we want to deliver them the very best," Aurigny's Chief Executive Officer, Mark Darby, said.

"Our ATR fleet has been key in that for many years and upgrading our fleet will allow us both to optimise our operations with the very latest avionics while providing our passengers with a modern, comfortable cabin, in which they can relax and enjoy their flights."

Aurigny described each new aircraft as having a "contemporary cabin design meaning that Aurigny customers will benefit from the modern ‘Armonia’ cabin which will introduce the latest standards of comfort". 

It also said the new aircraft will help to bring down operating costs by optimising the operation's efficiency. "An ATR 72-600 burns up to 40% less fuel and emits 40% less CO2 per passenger seat compared to a regional jet."

The aircraft is due to go into service next week. However, as we understand the significance of a new plane and the interest this generates from the public of Guernsey, therefore an open day is being arranged for people to view G-OATR at Guernsey airport – more details of this will be released shortly.

Pictured top: The new ATR, G-OATR.